With this issue the AANS launches AANS Neurosurgeon. New in look and name, AANS Neurosurgeon nonetheless continues on the path emblazoned by the AANS Bulletin since its inception in 1992. As its name suggests, Neurosurgeon redefines the Bulletin‘s socioeconomic and professional focus to center on the concerns, interests and needs of contemporary neurosurgeons, for whom the publication will provide in-depth information and analysis that enhances neurosurgical practice.
Articles in this first issue illustrate the redefined focus. In-depth information in the form of useful data is at the core of the peer-reviewed socioeconomic research component. Jonathan L. Miller, MD, and colleagues present a new computerized patient information system that improves compliance with resident work hour regulations. In InfoTech Impact, Allen K. Sills, MD, analyzes a Web site that provides potential patients with physician information and ratings, laying out the benefits and drawbacks of the system from a neurosurgeon’s perspective.
The new Calendar/Courses area shows how AANS Neurosurgeon will complement the Web, where time-sensitive information can be frequently updated and a variety of interactive features can be employed. Readers can review the new concise and easier-to-read listings and then access the online version where they can view a greater volume of information, sort it in a number of ways, connect to online continuing medical education information and track their credits, and submit calendar items.
Cutting-Edge Content
How will AANS Neurosurgeon keep its finger on the pulse of neurosurgery?
The answer primarily lies in the dedicated editorial board members, who meet
at least twice a year to brainstorm ideas—based on current news and conversation
in the office, clinic and hospital—for upcoming issues and to lend a neurosurgeon’s
perspective to the writing assignments they take on.
AANS Neurosurgeon also will build upon the foundation laid for the Bulletin toward increased interactivity that leads to more reader involvement. The launch in February of the online article submission portal, where authors of socioeconomic research papers or general articles submit their work for possible publication, was a great step forward. The portal is accessible through a link on the Web site, www.aansneurosurgeon.org. Those interested in being considered as peer reviewers of socioeconomic research also can register at this article submission portal.
Throughout each issue readers will be asked to send topic ideas for future articles and to comment on published articles by sending an e-mail message to [email protected]. Items for the following new departments also can be submitted there.
- In the Loupe—Photographic feature published in Frontlines.
- Gray Matters—Case presentations intended to build consensus
on everyday neurosurgical challenges for which class I evidence is not available.
- Open Book—To complement Bookshelf, mini reviews of a recently
read book in any genre relate its value as an interesting, entertaining or
enlightening work. Include title, author, year of publication, publisher and
city, number of pages, and cost.
- Inside Neurosurgeon—News briefs and articles focused on neurosurgical organizations.
The online version of AANS Neurosurgeon at www.aansneurosurgeon.org will include the advanced search of Neurosurgeon and Bulletin archives since 1995, subscription for the RSS feed and table of contents alerts, and other information.
The new AANS Neurosurgeon exemplifies the AANS commitment to quality as well as the AANS mission to serve as the organization that speaks for all of neurosurgery. The changes in this issue are the first of others to come. I hope you will add your voice to our profession’s developing dialogue by participating in AANS Neurosurgeon.
William T. Couldwell, MD, PhD, is editor of AANS Neurosurgeon. He is professor and Joseph J. Yager Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Send letters to the editor, with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line, via e-mail to [email protected].